Saturday wasn’t just a big day for Celtic but also for football supporters in Australia.
In fact, Ange Postecoglou’s success at the Bhoys has gone beyond the core group of ‘soccer’-obsessed Australians. It’s mainstream news over there.
Postecoglou has blazed a trail for coaches in his homeland, first finding success in the J-League and now at one of the most recognisable clubs in the world on the European football scene.
He’s demonstrated what is possible and as you’d expect, his Celtic project is making waves Down Under.
Channel 10 reporter Michael Zappone has been in Glasgow with a camera crew all week taking in the experience of the Scottish champions and even he, as a newcomer to Celtic, taken aback by his day in Paradise.
Zappone wrote on Twitter: “Been to many great sporting events. This was right up there with the best. Emotion. Passion. Culture.”
Meanwhile, The Sydney Morning Herald’s Vince Rugari exclaimed yesterday: “That Ange speech… honestly just amazing. Can’t find the words to describe the moment. It is probably not really overdoing it at all actually to say that’s one of the greatest moments in Australian football history. Like wow.”
ABC producer Evan Morgan Grahame was similarly blown away by the post-match scenes, stating: “Walking out to Land Down Under… Ange hears all of Parkhead singing his name like a god. He’s nearly overwhelmed. This is glorious.”
The Age journalist Rob Harris wrote a fantastic article from the ground in Glasgow, summing up the strength of feeling for Postecoglou with: “In Glasgow, it could be said Celtic now provides a sense of meaning and belonging to more people than the Catholic Church. It’s not just a football club, but a cultural institution.
“You don’t need to ask the fans what they think of their new manager. The mere hint of an Australian accent from a visitor will have them rushing to volunteer their thoughts.”
Our friends at prominent broadcaster Optus Sport were, of course, on board too describing the moment by saying: “A full Celtic park chanting Ange Postecoglou’s name will give you goosebumps. And a speech for the ages to his adoring fans.”
It’s easy to take Celtic and Scottish football for granted. It’s easy to feel overshadowed by more illustrious, cash-rich teams and leagues.
However, this all serves as a reminder that there’s nothing quite like the Bhoys. That was true before Postecoglou and it’ll be true after he’s gone.
Right now, however, we simply have to enjoy these incredible moments with the boss at the helm. He’s an icon not just in Scotland, but across the oceans.
In other news, 8 stunning and iconic images from one of the best Celtic trophy days ever.
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